Days later, news came to Estela about her fiancee.

She'd enjoyed her time spent walking the gardens of her youth with Teran. While it wasn't the same without Otto and Rinseld, it was still home. Father, for his part, hardly said two words to her. He spent his days, as always, holed up in his study while writing letters. Several times

Estela sat in on him, mediating disputes between the commoners.

He was decisive but not unfair. Often, he would come in on the side of a poorer man, even when the richer one stood to gain. But it was always done based on the case. Estela remembered something he'd once told Otto.

"Reputation is everything," he'd said, not seeing Estela. "Money is worthless if your reputation is in ruins. Ruling with justice is essential to maintain respect from our people."

He'd always said things like that to Otto, his heir. Rinseld, Cadia, and her had always been on the outskirts. Now, here she was, sitting on the outskirts again, even if she was within King Tyus' meeting room.

Then Father entered, flanked by his men. His expression was grim, as always. "We've found him. "

"Well, where is he? "asked Estela. "And why the delay? "

"He's at the pass of Dragon Bones," said Father. "It seems he veered off to fight with the Heir of Kings."

So Estela hadn't met her fiancée because Father had dragged her here, then? Ironic and a bit satisfying. "Then we'll go to meet him. "

"You will not go, "said Tyus quickly. "Word has come to me that the Black Dragons under Wrynncurth have landed. "

"Wrynncurth? "asked Estela. "I know him. "

Tyus raised an eyebrow. "You do? "

"Yes, I might help in negotiations. "said Estela.

Tyus nodded. "...Very well, then. Pack your things. We're leaving today. "

And leave they did. The Queen of House Endorean went with them, her white armored soldiers marching. Together, they made their way through the lands at a swift pace. They rested on the road and only briefly. Estela saw several new castles where there had been none before.

"When were these built?" she asked Father.

"The Foundation was there of old, "said Father. "But they were cast down during the civil war before you were born. Arengeth had us restore lands we had taken to the other house."

"So this has been planned for some time," said Estela.

"Yes," said the Queen. "We wish a permanent end to the war, so Escor may be united."

Estela said nothing. They spoke little as they came into empty lands and neared the domain of the Pass of Dragon Bones. Then Estela saw the fort she'd heard so many stories above, surrounded by blackened lands. No grass grew around it, and the earth was packed tight. Weapons meant for killing dragons bristled along the walls.

And they were met there by a man, a giant with a huge war hammer on his back. He was sitting upon a stump just beyond the barrens, carving a wood block. He looked up with dull eyes and put it down. Rising, he retrieved his war hammer and leaned on it.

"King Tyus. Mother, "said the man.

The Queen, what was her name again, dismounted and moved to him. "Jomas, what are you doing here? You were supposed to come to Vortegex's Capital."

"I saw smoke and heard battle, "said Jomas. "I came to help. "

The Queen looked to Tyus. "I'm sorry, Tyus; please forgive my son. He has a tendency to get sidetracked. Where is your valet? "

Jomas looked down. "Edgar took an axe to the face in the fighting. I tried to heal him, but it was too late. "

The Queen looked concerned. "Another one? What have I told you of wandering away from safety? It would help if you stayed with your groups. "

"I'm sorry," said Jomas.

This simpleton was her fiancee? Estela was insulted.

"This is Estela Vortegex, your bride-to-be," said the Queen.

"...Hello, I am Jomas., "said the man.

Estela smiled. "Greetings. "

Fortunately, she was saved from having to talk to him when Arengeth arrived. He emerged from around the shadow of a hill. "Ah, there you are, Tyus."

Tyus eyed him in irritation but moved forward to shake his hand as an equal. "Gail Arengeth, I trust things are in hand."

"They almost got out of hand for a time, but we caught the matter," said Arengeth. "The Tharakans were driven off, but we have news they have larger armies gathering. Queen Margaret, you should be proud of your son.

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"Jomas Endorean was invaluable during the battle. He killed dozens of Tharakans and held part of the wall alone."

Margaret looked to Jomas. "Well done. You've made me proud."

Jomas' expression did not change.

"And what of this council you wanted us to attend?" asked Tyus, an edge in his tone.

"I'm afraid it was a somewhat coincidental meeting," said Arengeth. "Relma asked Wrynncurth for support in defending against the Dragon Empire.

"The girl tends to act without thinking."

Arengeth was using her as an excuse, wasn't he? Estela didn't buy that Arengeth couldn't control Relma. But did Father know as much? He did not seem skeptical, but perhaps she should tell him. Couldn't that hurt Relma, though?

"Where is the council meeting?" asked Tyus.

"I will show you," said Arengeth before motioning for them to follow.

"Father," said Estela, "I don't think Arengeth lost his grip on Relma."

"Obviously not, fool," snapped Tyus. "Now, don't speak so loudly."

Estela fell silent until, eventually, they reached the top of a hill. There, a circle of stones was lying, looking to have only recently been dug up. In that circle were Fayn, Wrynncurth, Pandora, and many others. Reginald and Varsus could be seen speaking some distance away. And all around them were black dragons, perched here and there.

"I've never seen this many Black Dragons, "said Estela.

"Of course you haven't," said Arengeth. "They've come from all over to secure this region and plan diplomacy. "

"Diplomacy? With whom? "asked Margaret.

"The Dragon Empire, of course, "said Arengeth. "We're hoping to arrange a truce. "

"And by what authority will you make it? "asked Tyus.

"That's why we're all here, "said Arengeth.

Wrynncurth surged into view suddenly, and Father flinched. "Ah, King Tyus, jolly good to see you. "

"Wrynncurth. I don't appreciate you entering my domain without permission, "said Tyus, voice hard.

"Sorry for not sending word ahead, old chap," said Wrynncurth. "Unfortunately, I heard about a crisis in the Dusk Lands. When Relma asked for some help, I assumed she had consulted you. "

"Sorry, "said Relma, coming up from behind.

Father looked at her, and a sneer went across his face. Then, he mastered himself and strode past Relma without a word. Beyond was Lady Pandora, meditating. "Lady Pandora, I trust you can explain this?"

Pandora opened her eyes. "King Tyus, I would apologize for all this. Things have been in absolute chaos with the rise of Lucius in Del Gabor. Certain decisions had to be made quickly, and Relma tended to act without thinking. "

"I thought about it," said Relma flatly.

What was she doing? Why was she provoking Father? Did she want to die?

To Estela's surprise, however, Father did not flare up. "So long as Escor is secure and no harm is done, I am willing to tolerate this matter. "

Why yield ground here?

Because Relma had power, genuine power, even if Father thought it was Arengeth. Relma had gathered a vast army through polite suggestions. The only thing all these factions had in common was her. And now the King of Escor could do nothing but keep a polite face.

For the first time, Estela became afraid she might create Harlenor Reunited.

"Explain. Now," said Father.

"First, we have arranged agents within the Dragon Empire at last," said Arengeth. "An associate of ours can speak with wolves. He has been establishing information gathering within. It should go a long way to predicting future attacks."

"Wolves?" asked Father. "You have brought the Brood of Telix into this?"

"Relma has, "said Estela. "She has friends among them. "

"I realize you have a longstanding feud with them," said Arengeth, "however, I ask you to look past it."

"Until they prey on the cattle of my herdsmen again, then? "asked Father.

"If that occurs, then yes, "said Arengeth. "For now, we must focus on the problem of the Dragon Empire. The reckoning with Calisha is nigh. Even now, Baltoth's armies are seeking to expand and grow stronger. I believe his armies will march within the year.

"As such, we must take steps to ensure that Harlenor does not face a war on two fronts. "

"You'd make peace with the Dragon Empire? "asked Father.

"At the very least, I would like to come to an understanding with them," said Arengeth. "I knew Vanessa and Bryag when they were children. Unfortunately, I have not been within Dragon Empire for over a thousand years. Things have changed greatly, and anyone attempting to enter it has been hunted down.

"It is obvious that they have no desire to negotiate with Harlenor. "

"Then what are you proposing?" asked Father. "Invasions are out of the question. "

"That is where I come in, old chap," said Wrynncurth. "We blacks always had a good relationship with the reds before the borders were sealed. I expect she may let me close enough to chat with her. With representatives of Harlenor alongside me, we might come to an understanding. "

"But we know almost nothing of the territory, "noted Margaret.

"And that is where the wolves come in. "said Pandora. "They have traversed the entire land, and we may learn everything.

"Naturally, I will go-"

"With all due respect, Lady Pandora, you do not speak for Harlenor as a whole," said Father. "Nor does Arengeth. The one we send must be one whose very nature allows them to speak for all of Harlenor.

"The Heir of Kings would be willing to do so. "

"Yes, send the Heir of Kings! "said one of the officers.

"I'll do it if people want me to, "said Relma.

Relma was being set up to die. Father wanted her to be killed on this mission. "Relma is not ready for such a task, "said Pandora.

"Is she not? "asked King Tyus. "Did she not rally an army? Has she not commanded battles against the satyrs, or so I am told? Does she not possess Lightning Trail? Do you believe these things are done by blind luck?

"Indeed, I believe she should go alone with Wrynncurth. Or perhaps with one companion to help her on the journey. Perhaps the wolf boy when he returns. "

"I'll go, "said Jomas.

"What? "said King Tyus.

"She might need help. I'll go, "said Jomas.

"Out of the question, "said Margaret.

"Jomas, I believe you should sit down," said Margaret. "You don't really know what you are thinking."

"She'll need help, "said Jomas. Here was an opportunity.

"This is not-" began Father.

"You truly are bold, Prince Endorean," said Estela, seeing a chance to be rid of her fiancee honorably. "You must go to represent the honor of your family. Do this on my behalf as a quest. "

"Estela-" began Father.

"Father, I am to be married to him, " said Estela. "Is it wrong of me to wish him to embark on a great quest for the good of all Escor? "

"...No, no, it is not, "said Father, gritting his teeth.

Wrynncurth laughed. "Well, this has become a jolly spectacular display of venom unlike any I can produce. I don't imagine there is now a single one of you who wants the quest to succeed. Or at least I don't hope one member or another doesn't come back from it.

"I'll play the game right enough. I say I won't carry anyone on this quest unless Princess Vortegex accompanies me. That way, there won't be anyone praying for our destruction behind closed doors. "

"...Perhaps we should send people who are less vital to our future-" began Arengeth.

"No, no, old chap," said Wrynncurth. "You three don't get to scheme and plan each other's deaths and then walk on out. You roped each other into the mess, and you can sort it out as planned. Or I'll take my flight and return home in a flash. "

Silence reigned as the people in this place looked to one another. Murmurs came among them, but Estela knew Father had no choice. "...Well, it is decided then. "

Estela did not expect peace to come from any of this. Whether Relma succeeded or not, they were going to have a war. Estela would see to it personally.